Ethan stepped onto the platform. Blue light scanned his body from head to toe. The chamber trembled—and the world blurred.
Initializing Combat Environment
Simulation Type: Close Quarters Duel – Human Opponent
Opponent Profile: Scorchfang Guild Enforcer (D-Class)
— Weapon: Cleaver-blade
— Combat Style: Brutal, unrefined, high aggression
— Weakness: Telegraphed power swings, exposed side on overreach
Reality snapped into focus. Ethan stood in a dark arena surrounded by flames. Across from him, a towering figure wielded a massive cleaver, sneering beneath a rusted mask.
The System pinged in his vision.
Survive for 90 seconds or disable the target.
The Enforcer charged. Ethan dodged left, guided by the red arc tracing the weapon's path. The blade missed by inches—but the shockwave sent him sprawling.
He groaned, rolling to his feet. Come on, adapt...
Combat Insight Engaged
Adaptive Reflex Triggered: +12% evasion
He began to read the patterns—the twitch of the shoulder before a swing, the grunt before a stomp. A minute passed, then another.
At 85 seconds, the Enforcer raised his cleaver high.
Final strike incoming. Target vulnerable.
Ethan ducked low and drove his blade into the figure's side. Sparks flew. The projection shimmered, then collapsed into digital ash.
Simulation Complete.
Performance Grade: B+
— Reward: +9% Combat Insight Sync
— Adaptive Reflex Progress: 22%
The arena dissolved, and Ethan dropped to his knees on the platform, soaked in phantom sweat.
Aelira stood at the chamber's edge, arms crossed. "You survived. Barely."
"Thanks for the vote of confidence."
She stepped closer, helping him up. "Again. Tomorrow. Until your instincts stop asking permission to act."
He met her gaze, something burning behind his eyes.
"Good. I don't want to survive. I want to win."
Suddenly, the lights flickered. The air turned cold.
System Alert – Unauthorized Signal Interference Detected
Override Signal: Unknown Source
Emergency Simulation Initiated – Warning: Difficulty Spike
Aelira stepped back, weapons drawn. "Ethan, what did you—?"
"I didn't touch anything!"
Loading Unknown Combatant Profile…
Designation: ??? [ERROR]
— Status: Redacted
— Combat Class: ???
— Estimated Threat Level: C+
Warning: Performance data outside safe parameters.
A humanoid figure emerged, cloaked in featureless black with mirrored eyes. No weapons. No sound. It moved like liquid shadow.
The first strike nearly shattered Ethan's guard. His vision flared. The System couldn't keep up.
Pattern Unreadable. Movement: Nonlinear.
Combat Insight Unavailable. Recommend Retreat.
He gritted his teeth. "Too late for that."
Blow by blow, he adjusted. Adapted. Until finally, one cut struck true.
The entity paused.
Data Echo Detected – Fragment Compatible
— Subsystem Trait Absorbed: Phantom Frame (Lv. 0 – Locked)
The figure dissolved into static.
Unauthorized Simulation Terminated.
Warning: Foreign Data Signature Imprinted. Source Unknown. Proceed with Caution.
Ethan collapsed, breathing hard.
"What was that?" Aelira demanded.
"I think the System just glitched… and gave me something it wasn't supposed to."
System Status Update – Addendum
New Data Signature Detected:[Phantom Frame – Unknown Origin]
• Current Status: Locked
• Description: Grants phase-shift movement, short-range displacement, and afterimage mimicry. (Access denied until compatibility confirmed.)
System Alert: Foreign code fragment integrated. Monitor for anomalies. Unlock condition pending.
System Status Update
Host: Ethan Cross / Kaelen Varros
• Level: 7
• Core Energy: 64% (Recharging)
• Experience: 473/800
• Combat Insight Sync: 67%
• Adaptive Reflex Progress: 22%
• Known Skills: Echo Step (Lv. 2), Impact Thrust (Lv. 1), Combat Insight (Beta), Adaptive Reflex (Passive)
• Special Trait (Locked): Phantom Frame – Origin Unknown
• Beast Core Inventory: 2 (Dregscale Howler F+, Common Emberbat F)
• System Notes: Proto-VR Module Active. Next milestone at 75% Insight Sync.